Everyone and everything seems to gasp at the thought of heading to Paris for the month of August. Enough of these why-not-to-go’s… here are eight (who has time for 10?) reasons to push critics aside and indulge in all that’s on offer.
1. Half the traffic
Less pollution, cleaner air and lungs, reduced street noise, bluer skies, minimal pollination and achievable street crossings as you stroll the arrondissements thanks to the city’s mass migration south.
2. Seating selection
In Paris you will feel the need to stroll… a lot. Eventually you’ll meander Jardin de Tuilleries, Marais or Montmartre. Enjoy a well deserved break, and yes you will have a choice, so pick your favourite oak or chestnut and park bench it. As tourists bustle to make the 20 point sight seeing itinerary sit back, relax, and devour numéro trios jambon et fromage baguette.
3. Summer greens
The strangely sectioned off public space lawns are still bursting with green, the soft carpet of plush uniformity super-calming. Head for Jardin de Luxemberg or Jardin des Plantes with their less formal ‘break the rules and roll all over it’ policies.
4. Tan o’clock
Unlike when travelling the southern hemisphere, feel free to remove a Euro layer and soak up some rays… the UV won’t blister you like 5 minutes carcinogenic exposure at Bondi, rather it’ll add that ‘yes I enjoyed my trip’ sun kissed factor to your post-travel social encounters.
5. Gastronomic Gorgeousness
Need I say more… with stomach numbers reduced, drop by your favourite boulangerie, patisserie or charcuterie in the afternoon for a still perfect window drool. You’ll no doubt indulge in your own game of finding the perfect pain au raisin, confit de canard, salade niçoise, souassin sec or tart tartan (banana a particular favourite of mine). A tip: head to Delmontel Pâtissier in Pigalle for their award winning yummeries.
6. Boutique l’apartment
Tired of who are you concierge service? Check out this rather cosy (18m²) yet super chic little Marais abode… get’s my vote hands down over a pokey over-priced hotel suite. A petit home away from home, plus on that inevitable slow morning you can laze-in dunking brioche into homemade hot-choc watching Audrey tautou’s Amelie.
7. Shop shop shop and more shop
You don’t need to swipe to enjoy the retail experience. Sure you could fall down the stairs and the floor staff won’t even bat an eye lid but the flair for visual merchandising is bar none. Check out Merci, 111 boulevard Beaumarchais 75003 (yes previously mentioned and still yet to be profiled).
8. Pont neuf de bon matin
Make the effort to surface for sunrise over Pont Neuf. Two close friends of mine were engaged there a few years ago and the photo is a priceless Parisian moment. Snog away to the sounds of street cleaners, seagulls, and the 1,000 stripes of jetliners filling the morning skies.
And a cheeky 9 – Jump on a Vélib’ bike to discover far more than will ever be covered by any travel article… the discoveries are endless.
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